Best RV Camping in Illinois

Illinois offers a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a fantastic destination for RV camping. With its rich mix of dense woodlands, sprawling prairies, and numerous waterways, the state provides a scenic backdrop to an array of campgrounds. Whether you’re looking to explore the state parks or find a spot with full RV hookups, you’ll discover a variety of options ranging from rustic sites nestled in quiet forests to full-service facilities with all the amenities an RV traveler could desire.

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Starved Rock State Park

When planning your RV camping trip in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park should be at the top of your list. Nestled in Oglesby, this park is celebrated for its scenic canyons and waterfalls, especially vibrant in spring and after heavy rains.

Camping Amenities

The park offers several amenities for your comfort:

• Full Hookups: Equipped with 133 Class-A premium sites, ensuring your RV’s needs are met.
• Accessibility: Handicap accessible campsites are available, promoting inclusivity.

Activities

Starved Rock boasts a variety of activities:

• Hiking: Explore 13 miles of trails that unveil lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and canyons.
• Fishing & Kayaking: The Illinois River is perfect for relaxed fishing or adventurous kayaking experiences.

Historical Exploration

Immerse yourself in the area’s rich history:

• Visit historic sites where you can learn about the park’s past and its natural wonders.

As you plan your stay, keep in mind that sites are in demand, especially on weekends. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot. RVers have rated the park a 7.2 out of 10, noting its wonderful blend of nature and convenience. Whether you’re seeking solitude or adventure, Starved Rock State Park offers a memorable RV camping experience tailored to your desire to connect with nature and history.

Pere Marquette State Park

When you visit Pere Marquette State Park, your experience promises to be surrounded by nature’s bounty. With its dramatic views of the Illinois River, you’ll find a perfect blend of serenity and adventure.

Camping Facilities:

• Electric Hookups: For RVs, ensuring your stay is comfortable.
• Tent Sites: Available for a rustic camping experience.
• Amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station cater to your basic needs.

Campsite Extras:

• Each site features a table, fire ring, and grill for your convenience.

The park is not only an RV camper’s retreat but a nature lover’s paradise as well. With over 20 miles of picturesque trails, you can spend your days hiking or horseback riding. The campground is nestled within a wooded area, providing ample shade and tranquility.

For a hassle-free reservation process, it is advisable to use Google Chrome when booking through their ExploreMoreIL™ system. Moreover, the park’s visitor center is a helpful resource for any additional information you might need during your stay. Make sure to call ahead at 618-786-3323 to confirm details or ask about the trails.

If you’re traveling with an RV, Pere Marquette State Park offers a peaceful escape with enough modern conveniences to ensure you enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

Shawnee National Forest

When planning your RV camping trip to Southern Illinois, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to stay in Shawnee National Forest. This scenic area offers you a chance to immerse yourself in nature with a variety of camping options that cater to your comfort and adventure needs.

Camping Facilities

• RV Sites: Equipped with water, sewer, and electric hook-ups. Additionally, each spot provides picnic tables and fire rings for a complete camping experience.
• Tent Camping: Available for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience, with designated areas that accommodate your needs.

Rates

• RV Site: $40 per night
• Tent Camping: $15 per night

Recreation

• Hiking: Explore numerous trails suitable for all skill levels, including those leading to the stunning Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the forest.

Amenities

• For a refreshing dip after a day of hiking, some campgrounds offer access to an outdoor pool, ensuring you can cool off in the summer heat.

Here’s a narrowed list of popular campgrounds:

• Redbud Campground
• Camp Cadiz
• Johnson Creek
• Lake Glendale

Remember to adhere to Leave No Trace principles to ensure the preservation of Shawnee National Forest’s delicate ecosystem. Binding yourself to these practices will not only enhance your experience but will protect the natural beauty for future visitors.

To book your stay or for more information on specific campgrounds within Shawnee National Forest, visit the Shawnee Forest Campground website.

Giant City State Park

When you visit Giant City State Park, you unlock the door to both adventure and relaxation amidst Illinois’ breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in Makanda, Illinois, the park is a sanctuary for RV enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

Accommodations for Every Camper
The park boasts a variety of well-maintained camping facilities:

• Class A Campground: Features 85 campsites equipped with water, electricity, and access to showers and sanitary facilities suited for both tent and trailer camping.
• Lodge Accommodations: For a more solid roof over your head, consider the Giant City Lodge which offers cabin rentals complete with cozy amenities.

Recreation Activities Galore
Giant City serves up an array of activities:

• Hiking: Trek the Giant City Nature Trail, known for its captivating stone formations and lush forestry.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for local fauna, including deer, turkeys, and a variety of bird species, adding an element of surprise to your outdoor experience.
• Water & Electric Hookup: Yes, ensuring your stay at Giant City State Park is comfortable and convenient.
• Rates: Starting at a reasonable $20 per night, making it an affordable getaway.

Whether it’s a need for tranquil respite or an urge for an adrenaline-filled expedition, Giant City State Park delivers. Remember to reserve your campsite in advance to secure your spot in this cherished Illinois retreat.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park is a noteworthy destination that should peak your interest if you’re into RV camping. Situated in Savanna, Illinois, this park offers a harmonious blend of history, outdoor activities, and breathtaking scenery.

Camping:
Your camping experience is catered to with well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. The park is recommended by fellow RVers and the lots are spacious, so you can relax in an environment rated 7.5 out of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews.

Hiking:
The park houses numerous trails, ranging in difficulty, that guide you through a landscape rich with Native American history. Some trails allow you to traverse the same paths once walked by the area’s early inhabitants.

Fishing:
You’re in close proximity to where the Mississippi and Apple rivers converge, offering ample fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, the diverse fish population here ensures a rewarding experience.

Scenery:
Prepare your camera for the stunning vistas of the Mississippi River. The limestone cliffs throughout the park provide iconic views and serve as a stark reminder of the region’s geological past.

You can obtain more information and a park brochure from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Here’s a quick glance:

• Location: Savanna, Illinois
• Size: 2,500 acres
• Camping: Rated 7.5/10
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, photography
• Reservations: Recommended during peak season

Head over to Mississippi Palisades State Park for a memorable RV camping trip filled with exploration and the serenity of nature.

Rock Cut State Park

Located in the northern Illinois town of Loves Park, Rock Cut State Park offers a serene retreat for RV camping enthusiasts like you. The park boasts a rich variety of wildlife in a 3,092-acre expanse of rolling plains.

Camping Options:

• Prairie View, White Oak, Plum Grove, Stag Horn: 199 electric sites
• Hickory Hills: 55 non-electric sites

Your stay will be free from the distractions of alcohol, as the park is an alcohol-free zone. Stay connected with crucial amenities; two shower houses with flush toilets are centrally located within the campground. They are operational from May 1 to provide convenience and comfort during your stay.

Reservation Details:

• Electric Sites: Reserve one of the 210 electric RV/tent sites online.
• Non-Electric Sites: 60 spots available for reservation.
• Walk-In Availability: May through October.

While the park is a haven for those seeking a peaceful escape, you can also indulge in a variety of recreational activities. This includes trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use, ensuring that your outdoor adventure needs are fully met.

For more reviews and tips from fellow RVers on the Rock Cut State Park campground experience, you can visit RV LIFE Campground Reviews.

Facilities:

• Shower Houses: 2 (open May 1)
• Alcohol: Prohibited

Be sure to book your spot in advance to guarantee your slice of nature at Rock Cut State Park.

Rend Lake Recreation Area

When exploring RV camping in Illinois, Rend Lake Recreation Area is an unmissable destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Positioned in the heart of southern Illinois, Rend Lake spans over 18,900 acres of water, with an adjoining 20,000 acres of land providing an expansive playground for all ages.

Your camping experience at Rend Lake is replete with options, featuring nearly 800 campsites across five public campgrounds. Whether you seek the soothing lakeside ambiance or the wooded seclusion, you will find a spot that suits your preferences for an unforgettable stay.

Here’s a quick overview of the campgrounds:

• South Sandusky Campground: Favored for its tent campsites and access to water.
• Gun Creek Campground: Known for its close proximity to trails and water-based activities.
• North Sandusky Campground: Offers family-friendly sites with modern amenities.
• South Marcum Campground: Ideal for boaters and anglers with easy lake access.
• Spillway Group Area: Perfect for larger groups looking to camp together.

To ensure your spot, make reservations through the National Recreation Reservation System. These can be done online or by calling their toll-free number for the ultimate convenience.

While staying at Rend Lake, take advantage of the diverse recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. Don’t forget to visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Visitor Center to pick up a brochure and map to aid in your adventures around the lake.

Kickapoo State Recreation Area

When planning your RV adventure in Illinois, a must-visit destination is the Kickapoo State Recreation Area. This area offers a blend of pristine nature and comfortable amenities to enhance your camping experience.

Camping Facilities

• Tent, Trailer, and Group Camping: With 184 sites available, you’ll find the space that fits your camping style.
• Electrical Hookups: Sites 1-101 are equipped with hookups, including both 30 and 50 amp service on selected sites, ensuring your RV has the power it needs.
• Water Access: Centralized water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground.

Recreational Activities

• Boating and Canoeing: Explore 22 deep-water ponds across 2,842 acres of parkland.
• Fishing: Anglers can enjoy a total of 221 acres of water teeming with fish.

Highlights

• Scenic Beauty: Kickapoo is home to Illinois’ only National Scenic River, offering breathtaking views.
• Accessibility: Located near Interstate 74, the park is easy for you to reach.

Remember to check for any seasonal changes in facility availability, such as water spigots being turned off to prevent freezing during colder months.

For detailed reviews and tips from fellow RVers, consider reading what others have to say about Kickapoo State Recreation Area to help plan your trip.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to hook up your RV or a scenic pond to paddle through, Kickapoo State Recreation Area might just be your next favorite camping destination in Illinois.

Illinois Beach State Park

When planning your RV camping trip in Illinois, you’ll find Illinois Beach State Park to be a prime destination. Located along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, this park stretches for 6.5 miles and offers a variety of recreation opportunities. Its unique natural setting is well-suited for a range of outdoor activities.

Your camping experience here includes access to:

• Swimming beaches
• Picturesque trails
• Well-maintained campgrounds

Spring is an ideal time to visit for RV camping, with the park opening in mid-April. You can enjoy the less congested park space while indulging in the mild temperatures, which typically range between highs in the 50s and 60s. Evenings are cooler, so ensure your RV is prepared for lows in the upper 30s to mid-40s.

Amenities at Illinois Beach State Park:

• Electrical hookups for your RV
• Sanitary facilities with showers and flush toilets
• The Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center for added comfort

For more information on what to expect in terms of the natural landscape and local reviews, you may reference the insight provided by RV LIFE Campground Reviews.

Remember to pack accordingly for breezy conditions by the lake and to respect the natural habitat that makes Illinois Beach State Park a cherished location for RV campers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Kankakee River State Park

When you’re looking for RV camping in Illinois, Kankakee River State Park stands out for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spread over 4,000 acres along both sides of the Kankakee River, this park is a favorite for many RVers like you.

Camping Facilities

• Chippewa Campground: Offers Class BE sites (electricity only, no showers)
• Potawatomi Campground: Provides Class A sites (showers and electricity)

Boasting a total of 208 campsites, your RV camping experience accommodates a range of preferences from basic amenities to fully serviced lots.

Activities

• Fishing: Known for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and Northern pike.
• Boating: Accessible boat ramps at Warner Bridge Day Use Area.
• Hiking: Explore numerous trails that offer scenic views of the river and surrounding woodland.

For detailed reviews and tips from fellow RVers, you can check information at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Remember to make your reservation early, especially during peak seasons, to secure the perfect spot for your RV.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Kankakee River State Park provides a serene environment where you can reconnect with nature while enjoying modern camping conveniences. Don’t miss the chance to witness the lush landscapes and engage in recreational activities that make this park an excellent choice for your next RV trip in Illinois. For more information on rates and specific site amenities, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.